Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton

Eve Faraday meets wealthy, sophisticated Aubrey Ashford and is captivated by his stunning looks and charm. She wonders why he’s attracted to her––she’s lovely but no great beauty. Their courtship is quick and the marriage takes place with speed. But there is much to her new husband Eve doesn’t know.

Aubrey is three centuries old, one of the “Old” people who were in Britain before the Anglos or Celts came. His race has dwindled to a few and to prevent his people from dying out, he hopes to have a child with Eve. But a marriage of convenience quickly becomes one of passion and soon Aubrey must choose between his near immortality or a once in a lifetime love.

Normally I tend to do the summaries for the books I review, but for this one I felt I needed to put up the official blurb. Why? Because I’m just so apathetic about this book.

Eve was just so bland, especially since she kept insisting that she was nothing special and kept questioning Aubrey why he was interested in her above all others. When she finally realizes that Aubrey is telling the truth about the “Old People” her reaction is probably what any normal person would do, but she claims to love the guy, so it really doesn’t make any sense. But then who really wants to be a baby factory anyway?

Aubrey himself was less than bland, he was just there. The entire story he’s talking about how he can’t love, but through his actions he shows he can. So obviously even his own actions aren’t speaking to him louder than his words. Also, wouldn’t someone realize that if someone so charming, attractive and wealthy was interested in them, there’s something there that’s making it too good to be true?

The other problem I had with the story were the “Old People” themselves. A load of self centered, worthless beings that set themselves above humanity so much they distanced themselves and doomed their own race. But, except for Aubrey, still held humanity with a contempt and just used mortals as their playthings and momentary entertainment.

The overall sense of apathy for this story, even though there was enough plot and direction to get me to finish the book, leads me to say if you like Edith Layton, go get this one, otherwise don’t bother. Though they gave it all away in the book blurb anyway . . .

Grade: D